Jose Mourinho's side currently sit eight points behind league leaders City, but with Ibrahimovic due to return from injury soon Lukaku is confident United can close the gap.

Lukaku insists he is not concerned about competition for his place once the Swede returns.

Romelu Lukaku drew a blank again at Chelsea (Image: CameraSport)

"It motivates me really, because he's another good player to add to the squad," he told Sky Sports News.

"When you face a team like us it's difficult for opponents. Ibrahimovic coming back will help us chase Manchester City."

After a blistering start to the season Lukaku has gone seven games without scoring for United but was back amongst the goals for Belgium as he scored twice in his country's 3-3 friendly draw against Mexico.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be a welcome return for Man United (Image: PA)

"Yes, it's a relief but I knew it would come," he said. "I feel great to be honest.

"I was born to score. I don't think many strikers of my generation have as many goals as me. I am like a leopard in the box."

After a great start to the season United have had a recent dip in form picking up just one point from three away games against Huddersfield, Liverpool and Chelsea.

But Lukaku isn't worried.

(Image: REUTERS)

He added: "Lately we haven't performed like we did at the start of the season.

"We started by blowing teams away, being dominant and creating chances, but in the last few weeks we didn't play at the same level and that made it more difficult for me.

"That's the sort of thing you have to go through in the season, but now there are players coming back from injury and hopefully we can deliver performances even better than at the start of the season."